Our Cat has Nine Lives

DECEMBER 19–3:50am

Caitlin has come out of the OR to her room at the ICU where the team is working to keep her stable. Right now, her biggest problem is her liver. It’s not functioning and needs support. The liver can take a lot of trauma and turn around so we have to hope that’s going to happen here. We can’t have a failing liver, or she will fail.

Her chest is open and covered with a rubber membrane because of the swelling. In a few hours, they will take her back to the OR to clean this area up a bit.

Maryanne and Nick, we’re all with you in spirit as Caitlin fights for her life. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed and exhausted you must feel at this time. You have all my hopes and prayers and love — Liz

“i just got these packages from you. oh beecher, thank you so much. i am so touched to receive these and to see Lucy’s face on that CD. I cannot wait to listen, and it comes at a very good time. It has been a difficult week mentally and physically. Thank you so much for giving me some of Lucy’s love.

These t shirts are so perfect too, so soft. It’s actually kind of funny – I was just talking to my mom yesterday about how purple was the color to tap into, for healing. Sometimes my mom does reiki on me (have I told you that?) and in the past, during reiki or during other healing sessions or massage, I can get to the point where I see washes of purple when I close my eyes. It doesn’t always happen. When i do, is when I feel most ‘tapped in’ and I get the most out of whatever is happening. It feels most relaxed, most healing. I have read about ‘seeing purple’, and how it is healing (some say it is seeing through your third eye) and have felt lucky that it happens to me. So in my eyes, purple is the perfect color for this t shirt.”

Sending so much love, prayers, and washes of purple light for your amazing girl. Love, prayers and more purple light are being sent to Caitlin’s liver, her beautiful new lungs and to the wise and compassionate Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha.

Dear Maryanne, thanks for your continuing updates over the past day. I have recognized for some time now what a courageous and determined young woman Caitlin is, but I also firmly believe that in arduous situations like this, being surrounded by the absolute love that you all have shown throughout this process plays a big role in sustaining that courage and determination. Keep up the good work!

I am praying for Caitlin. I know she has a great team! My father was on the lung transplant list last year, at this same time, with this wonderful group from UPMC. Unfortunately, his heart gave out before he could get a lung. He was strong and was a fighter just as Caitlin seems to be. I believe in Gods plan and the power of prayer. So I send my prayers to your family and to the many great surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff
at UPMC and especially Caitlin on this magical journey. Merry Christmas to you!